Shelton Darden Sr.

Shelton L. Darden Sr. NORFOLK - Shelton L. Darden Sr., 61, of the 800 block of Jasmine Ave., passed away Jan. 16, 2009, in Sentara Leigh Hospital. He was born Jan. 21, 1947, in Courtland, Va. Shelton received his master's degree from Norfolk State University. He retired after 37 years of service as assistant chief with the Norfolk Police Department. During his tenure, he assisted with establishing a recruitment unit for the NPD. He quickly rose in rank as captain, major and assistant chief. He served as interim chief from 2002 to 2003. He was a member of the Virginia Chiefs Association and NOBLE. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Sandra C. Darden; one son, Shelton L. Darden Jr.; two sisters, Roxanne Darden and Rosilyn Bryant; five brothers, Wilbert, Horace, Vernon, Kenneth and Timothy Darden; and a host of other relatives and friends. A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in the chapel of Metropolitan Funeral Service, 7246 Granby St. The Rev. Britton Joyner will officiate. Interment will be in Helping Hands Cemetery, Courtland. Family and friends will assemble at the chapel for the service. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Condolences may be offered at www.metropolitanfuneralservice.com.